Ranch Beans
Dive into the hearty, smoky goodness of Ranch Beans, a classic, flavor-packed dish perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or potlucks. This slow-simmered recipe starts with tender, soaked pinto beans and layers of rich flavor, thanks to crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a bold blend of spices including smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Tomato paste and diced tomatoes create a savory base, while beef broth enhances the heartiness of this comforting meal. With a low-and-slow cooking method, the beans soak up every ounce of flavor, making it a soul-satisfying side or main dish. Serve these cowboy-inspired beans warm and garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of freshness. Packed with smoky, spicy, and savory notes, these ranch beans are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pinto beans
- 8 cups water
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Rinse the dried pinto beans under cold water, removing any debris or damaged beans.
Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Drain and rinse the beans, then set them aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, chop it into small pieces, and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes (with liquid), beef broth, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the chopped bacon.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check the beans for tenderness after 2.5 hours. If they are still firm, continue to cook until they reach your desired texture.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices, if needed, before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or a hearty main, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 8477 mg | 369% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.5 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 54.1 g | 193% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.5 g | ||
| Protein | 75.4 g | 151% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 600 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 4182 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
